The best gear for mobile video journalism and mobile filmmaking for broadcast and film.

A Mobile video gear list for making cinematic mobile filmmaking

Below is a list of gear options for mobile video rigs.
I am showing a range of gear that I recommend and use: From basic reporter rigs to broadcast production solutions.
This gear will set you up for every type of mobile video production.

Pricing for the items shown is variable from market to market, so I provide the best available links that will point you to the latest versions offered for sale.

I am not a seller. I am not shipping products. I am an editorial reviewer and independent expert.
I am not paid to promote products, but I will earn a commission if you purchase.

Basic reporter kit

You will need a grip to mount your phone to a tripod.
Mobile Phone metal tripod adapter, 360° Rotatable for iPhone, Samsung, Huawei.
• Smartphone Grip

Then a reliable lav microphone with a cable.
Sennheiser XS Lav USB-C Omnidirectional Clip-On Lavalier Microphone with USB-C Connection and 2 meter Cable for Mobile Journalism.
• Microphone

Rechargeable LED Video Light
Portable and versatile lighting solution that features adjustable color and intensity.
• LED Light

You need a tripod if you do not already own one.

Interview Video Rig

Features a great-sounding mic, a face light and a solid grip to mount everything together.

Perfect for covering events, personality profiles, and street interviews.

A smartphone video rig.
I have outfitted hundreds of reporters with this simple, but professional video rig.

I show the actual gear that I use on real productions.

Essential Pro Video Gear

This is the mobile video gear that the Ukrainian journalists I trained are using for filming professional video. This wired, two mic solution will last a long time and is essentially foolproof.

These are the essentials: This humble rig is the foundation for more advanced setups.

This is the kit for Ukrainian journalists when we teach them in immersive mobile journalism workshops.

Capturing good sound is always the most challenging issue and the one that makes the biggest difference at first.

When it comes to microphones, I always stick with the reliable manufacturers like Røde, Hollyand, Sennheiser, DJI, and Shure.

Microphones are the one thing you always have to rely on. I only show the gear that I have tested in real field conditions.

Live kit for Broadcasters

Version 1.0.0

If you already have a tripod and a reporter microphone with a standard XLR connector, you might need only a secure grip. Additionally, you would need a smart adapter to connect your mic to your phone.

• Mobile Phone Metal Tripod Adapter, 360° Rotatable for iPhone, Samsung, Huawei
• XLR to Apple Lightning Microphone Interface Cable for iPhone & iPad (XLR)
• USB C to XLR Female Microphone Cable with Headphone monitoring Jack


Creator mobile video camera kit

This all-in-one action camera with a wireless microphone is designed for social media influencers, creators, and Vloggers.

• Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo with wireless microphone and Face/Object Tracking.

I recommend you include these vital accessories:

• 256Gb memory Card from Sandisk

• Magnetic 4-Pack ND Polarized Filters Set

• Travel Waterproof Hard Case

Simple cinema rig

My lightweight cinema rig allows me to capture captivating shots with great sound quality.

Gear list

Mojo Action Kit

Two microphone setup, face light, and gimbal as shown in the gear section of the “Mobile Journalism” textbook.

If you are filming with the Blackmagic Camera app with your smartphone, you will benefit from this AI-powered gimbal. It supports tracking natively with Apple DockKit.

The Pro Creator combo includes a face light. It works with Android and Apple smartphones. 360° Infinite Pan Tracking.

And you will want a nice-sounding, hassle-free two-mic solution.

The Hollyland Lark M2S Ultimate Combo includes two wireless lav microphones and receivers for iPhone lightning. It also includes USB-C and mini-plug for DSLR and mirrorless cameras. Includes noise canceling, a charging case, and windscreens.

• Gimbal combo

• Microphone kit

Pro video editing rig

The Blackmagic DaVinci Resolve Speed Editor is a handy tool for doing high-quality color correction and editing tasks. With tactile buttons, intelligent shortcuts, and a fantastic jog shuttle, editing is a joy with this uint. It features bluetooth, a rechargeable battery, and a USB-C port.

It pairs well with an iPad Pro via bluetooth to provide a robust video editing suite for field documentary work.

Pro field editing package: The speed editor pairs via bluetooth with an iPad Pro. It works with the DaVinci Resolve video editor app to provide superior color correction tools. These tools are designed for professional documentary work. If you are working with 4K ProRes Apple Log video clips, you should consider adding an external drive. An option is this popular Samsung 4TB model.

This is Rob Layton’s current documentary mobile film rig. Rob adds that the iPad Pro display is color calibrated. You can trust the edits you make in the field. (Full disclosure, Rob and I were presenting together at the International Journalism Festival in Perugia)

Ideal drone for mobile filming

Joerdis was the first German journalist to report mobile journalism stories for Die Welt in 2007.
She reported daily podcasts and picture stories from the world’s largest trans-ocean race.

Today she is a licensed drone filmmaker and this is the drone she carries in her backpack for filming outdoor expeditions across the sea and the Alps

Gear List

Mobile Journalism textbook

“Mobile Journalism” is the textbook for teachers and media students.

The ‘MOJO bible“ features 200 color illustrations, 170 double-page magazine-style page spreads, 16 videos, and 36,710 words.